Tourism activities to do at Akagera National Park
Are you looking for tourism activities in Akagera National Park? Yes, Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. The park was founded in 1934 and now covers an area of 1,200 sq kilometers. The park is named after the River Kagera, which feeds several lakes including Lake Gishanju, Lake Ihema, Lake Mihindi, Lake Rwanyakizinga, and Lake Shakani) within and around the park. These water bodies, combines with the Savannah grasslands, forests, plains and rolling hills, contribute to the park’s stunning and scenic landscape. There are many sights and sounds to experience when visiting the park, and we have put together a list of the top tourist activities to enjoy in Akagera National Park.
Game Drives
Game drives are among the most popular activities in Akagera national park, offering tourists the chance to explore the park with an experienced guide. These drives typically take place in the northern part of the park, either the morning or evening. During a game drive, you’ll navigate a network of game viewing tracks, encountering variety of wildlife including roan antelopes, elephants, buffalo, zebra, bush-baby, hippos, crocodiles and many other mammal species. The park is also home to rare animals such as leopard, lion and black rhino. As one of East Africa’s most scenic savannas, game drive in Akagera provides breathtaking views of gentle hills blending in beautifully with lowland swamps and water bodies.
On a daytime game drive, you’ll be driven along the tracks through lush savannah plains, past expansive woodlands and into the habitat of teeming with diverse mammal species. Other animals that can be spotted include Defassa Waterbuck, Topes, Bohor Reedbucks, Oribis, Semi-Aquatic Sitatunga, Eland, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants and Lions
Akagera national park also offers night game drive, where visitors can explore the park with the armed ranger to observe nocturnal animals. During these excursions, you might see wide-eyed bush babies, serval cats, civets, leopards. Guided by your flashlight and an experienced ranger, these night safaris typically last between 2 to 3 hours.
Camping
Camping in Akagera National Park stands out as one of the top best tourist activities to do while on a safari in Akagera National Park. The park’s unique flat Savannah grasslands makes it an ideal spot for camping adventure. Camping at Akagera National Park is one of the amazing outdoor recreational activities that provides you with a great wilderness experience. Akagera campgrounds are set in natural environments that enhance the outdoor experience, allowing visitors to engage in enjoyable activities away from developed areas. Many tourists choose camping not only for its recreational benefits but also because it is an affordable way to explore the park’s beaty. The Shakani Akagera Campsite: This campsite is likewise located on the shores of Lake Shakani, the park’s sole lake where fishing is permitted. From this site, you can observe the park’s hippos, some of which grazing during the cool evenings or at night near the campsite, adding to the memorable nature experience.
Boat cruise
Embarking on a boat cruises along the shores of Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second largest lake, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of aquatic bird species and observe wildlife that inhabit its the lake’s waters. This experience offers a perfect opportunity to increase your animal sightings beyond those seen on Rwanda safari game drives. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, buffaloes, and hippos, as well as vibrant l kingfishers, gorgeous fish eagles, egrets, Hamerkops nests, and the prehistoric-looking Shoebill during your boat launch. You may also encounter endangered species include jacanas, Ibis, plovers, herons, malachite kingfishers, hawks, and many others. The boat ride typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours, providing a memorable perspective of Rwanda’s national park. Departures are scheduled at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., with options for day, morning, and sundown trips that allow you to experience the park from the water, surrounded by crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birdlife.
Nature walks
Akagera National Park offers a multitude of stunning sights that are best experienced firsthand. Taking nature walks allows you to observe the environment closely, revealing exotic plants, vibrant butterfly species, tranquil lake waters, water birds, and smaller animals that might be difficult to spot during a game drive. These walks provide a peaceful setting and a wonderful chance to enjoy nature at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Fishing safari
fishing is one of the most popular activities along the shores of Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park. while on your fishing safaris at Lake Shakani, you’ll have the chance to catch different fish species such as tilapia and catfish. While fishing, you’ll also get to see many birds and animals drinking by the shores. Visitors who intend to participate in fishing activities in the park are required to make a booking with the park for sport fishing on this lake. Even though the expectation is catch and release, you are given an opportunity to take one catch for a meal if interested.
Bird watching
Akagera Park stands out as the only savannah park in the country of a thousand hills. It is home to over 480 bird species, including both migratory and resident birds, which thrive amidst the diverse landscape of rolling hills, woodlands, forests, seasonal and permanent swamps, lakes, savannah vegetation, and the shifting landscape within and around the park. While on your birdwatching tour, you’ll have the chance to spot different colorful bird species such as the arnot chat, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, suaza shrike, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, red-faced barbet and the long tailed cistola among others.
Cultural Visits
The management of Akagera National Park works closely with nearby communities to facilitate cultural visits. These visits are guided by members of the local community. During these cultural visits, tourists have the chance to learn about traditional practices such as caring for long-horned cows, make beer, prepare food and celebrate important seasons of the year. Visitors may also participate in activities like milking the cows, sampling traditional food abd dancing to local or folk music. Each visit typically lasts up to three hours.
What is the optimal time to explore Akagera national park
The optimal time to explore Akagera national park is during the dry season, which generally runs from June to September. This period is ideal because during wildlife activity peak, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to carry out excellent wildlife spotting. The park has a variety landscape including wetlands, savannah, and woodland, provide a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography. Additionally, from mid-December to mid-February, a dry spell occurs within the rainy season, making it another favorable time for viewing animals. During this interval, wildlife tends to gather around the lakes due to the thinner cover of the bush.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park
Within Akagera National Park you will surely find a place for everyone to stay. The lodge options here ranges from luxury, mid-range and budget. Some of the facilities includes; Mgashi Lodge, Rusizi Tented Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Dereva Hotel, Cari hotel, LeMigo hotel, Discover Rwanda youth hostel, top tower hotel, Umubano hotel, Grand legacy hotel among others.
